Five years after Adrian's transformation, life had settled into a comfortable rhythm.
They split their time between properties around the world—the Shanghai penthouse, a villa in Tuscany, a townhouse in London, a modern apartment in Tokyo. Adrian had learned six new languages, mastered three different fighting styles, and could now feed without Kieran's supervision.
He'd also discovered he had an unusual gift for vampire politics—something about his multiple past lives gave him perspective that other vampires lacked. He could see patterns, predict behaviors, navigate complex social dynamics with ease.
"You're better at this than I am," Kieran admitted after Adrian successfully mediated a territorial dispute between two vampire lords. "And I've been doing this for a thousand years."
"You're too direct. Too honest." Adrian smiled. "I know how to tell people what they want to hear while getting what I want."
"That's called manipulation."
"That's called diplomacy."
They were in their Tokyo apartment when the demon mark on Adrian's palm began to burn.
Adrian hissed, looking down at his hand. The mark that Asmodeus had placed on him five years ago—faded to near invisibility—now glowed with hellfire, pulsing in time with a heartbeat Adrian no longer had.
"He's calling in the favor," Kieran said, tension immediately flooding his body. "After five years, he finally wants something."
"Should I ignore it?"
"You can't. A demon's bargain is binding. If you refuse, the mark will burn until you comply. It's designed to be impossible to ignore."
As if to prove the point, the pain intensified. Adrian gritted his teeth, fangs extending involuntarily.
"Where?" he managed to ask.
"The mark will guide you. Just... follow the pull." Kieran grabbed his jacket. "I'm coming with you."
"He might not allow that—"
"I don't care what he allows. You're not facing a demon lord alone."
The mark pulled Adrian through Tokyo's streets, through crowds of humans who couldn't see the supernatural world hidden among them. It led them to a host club in Roppongi—the kind of establishment where beautiful people entertained wealthy clients.
Inside, past the glamour that hid its true nature, the club was full of demons. They sat at tables, drank what was definitely not alcohol, and watched Adrian and Kieran enter with interest.
Asmodeus waited in a private room, lounging on a velvet couch like a king on his throne. He'd changed his appearance since Beijing—now he looked like a K-pop idol, all sharp cheekbones and artfully tousled hair.
"Adrian!" Asmodeus greeted cheerfully. "And Lord Ashford. How domestic. Come, sit. We have business to discuss."
"What do you want?" Adrian asked bluntly, his palm still burning.
"So impatient. I like that about vampires—always rushing despite having eternity." Asmodeus gestured, and drinks appeared on the table. "I need you to retrieve something for me. An artifact that was stolen by a rival demon lord."
"Steal from a demon lord? That's suicide."
"For most, yes. But you have advantages. You're vampire, not demon—he won't expect you. You're young enough to underestimate. And..." Asmodeus's smile sharpened, "you have the Cursed Prince as your mate. Kieran Ashford's reputation is quite useful."
"What artifact?" Kieran asked coldly.
"A mirror. The Mirror of Souls, to be specific. It shows your true self—past lives, future possibilities, the darkness within. Very dangerous, very powerful, very much mine before it was stolen."
"Why do you want it back?"
"Because it's mine. I don't need another reason." Asmodeus leaned forward. "The demon who stole it is named Bael. He operates out of Seoul, runs an entertainment empire—music, film, fashion. Very modern demon. The mirror is in his personal vault."
"And you want us to break into a demon lord's vault and steal it back," Adrian said flatly.
"Precisely! I knew you were smart." Asmodeus clapped his hands. "You have one month. Fail, and the mark will burn until you succeed or die. Your choice."
"That's not much of a choice."
"Demon bargains rarely are. That's why they're so fun." Asmodeus stood. "Oh, and Adrian? Don't look into the mirror. It shows truths that most people aren't ready to face. Could drive you mad."
"Helpful warning," Adrian muttered.
"I can be helpful when it suits me." Asmodeus's form began to shimmer. "One month. Don't disappoint me."
He vanished in a swirl of sulfur, leaving Adrian and Kieran alone in the suddenly empty room.
"I hate demons," Adrian said, rubbing his still-burning palm.
"Everyone hates demons. That's why they're demons." Kieran pulled him close. "But we'll figure this out. We always do."
"Seoul. We're going to Seoul to steal from a demon lord."
"Apparently so."
"Our lives are so weird."
"Welcome to immortality."